After years of planning — and controversy — a new Long Lots Elementary School is rising on Hyde Lane.
The site is the former baseball field, adjacent to the oldest section of the 70-year-old building.
Construction walls hide much of the activity from students, staff and passersby. But the other day, “06880” photographer Brandon Malin flew his drone over the work.
These bird’s-eye photos show how much progress has already been made. And how close it is to the school that will be demolished this summer.
The new Long Lots Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool are scheduled to open in January 2028.
This will no doubt be the most listened-to “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast ever.
In this week’s edition — sponsored, as always, by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston — 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Long Lots School Building Committee chair Jay Keenan chat about the future of the elementary school.
Keenan begins with a brief background of the committee itself. He describes 3 options — renovate the existing structure, construct an addition, or build a new school on the property — and discusses their implications (buses, parking, draining, neighbors) and stakeholders (including the Westport Community Gardens and youth sports).
Options for the Gardens, Keenan says, are that they remain; that they’re modified, or that they’re relocated elsewhere on the property.
“Our main priority is the school, and the children,” the chair notes. “All the rest is juggling” a variety of elements.
The committee’s goal is to have a report to Tooker by the end of August. That will be followed by presentations to the Board of Finance, Board of Education and Representative Town Meeting, with requests for money to complete the design work.
Keenan hopes for “a bid-able set of drawings” within 10-12 months.
They were shot by Brandon Malin. The multi-talented 2020 Staples High School graduate is a rising University of Michigan senior, noted lighting designer and photographer, who has spent this summer working at the Sailing School.
On Saturday night, at their annual staff dinner — just a few hours after his photos appeared — Brandon received the “Jimmy A” Spirit Award. It’s Longshore Sailing’s highest honor.
Named for Jim Adelman — a longtime employee and Westport resident — it is given each year to a staff member who embodies exemplary character, a willingness to put others before themselves, and a passion for Longshore Sailing School.
LSS president Jane Pimentel says, “Brandon is a jack of all trades, and a master of them all. He has the best interest of Longshore Sailing School and its staff on his mind at all times. He is a kind soul, someone you can depend on, and just a great human. He is a great example of what it means to represent the spirit of Jimmy A.”
Today, the Westport Rotary Club premieres a new video podcast.
“Westport Rotary Speaks” is hosted by member Ifeseyi Adedoyin. The 3- to 4-minute videos will post at least once a month on Rotary’s website, and its social media platforms (Instagram @Westportrotary; YouTube WestportRotarySpeaks; LinkedIn Westport Rotary Club).
This month’s shows will focus on LobsterFest. Next month, club members will discuss a variety of topics.
His volunteer job as chair of the Westport Community Gardens takes a ton of time too.
But Lou still finds time to be a wildlife photographer.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image is one of his bumblebee shots. Ever the educator, Lou writes:
“Thousands of bees, including this, use the Gardens and Long Lots Preserve as a food source and for habitat. This bumblebee adds to the pollen sack on its leg by gathering from shrubby Saint John’s Wort located in the Gardens.
“If you like feeding bees, plant St. John’s Wort! Nature wins!”
And finally … in honor of Brandon Malin, and his Longshore Sailing School award (story above):
(Another week … and another week of “06880.” We started in 2009, and have never missed a day. Please help us continue. Click here to make a contribution. And thank you!)
The 2020 Staples High School graduate, rising University of Michigan senior, noted lighting designer and photographer — is spending this summer working at Longshore Sailing School.
The other day, he flew his drone over the Sound.
“This is such a classic Westport look, with the 60-year history of the sailing school,” Brandon says.
“I remember growing up and seeing the colorful sails on the water off Compo. So it’s cool to get images from the air, from a different perspective than most people get to see.”
And, Brandon adds, “The kids enjoyed waving to the drone. That was fun!”
The Longshore Capital Improvement Plan is moving ahead.
The next phase of public input takes place soon.
Stantec — the town’s consultant — will present preliminary concept diagrams at the October 19 Parks & Recreation Commission public meeting (7:30 p.m.). The Zoom link will be available when the agenda is posted here.
Open houses will follow, at the Westport Library:
Wednesday, October 26: (10 to 11:30 a.m.; 3 to 4:30 p.m.; 7 to 8:30 p.m.)
Saturday, October 29: (9:30 to 11 a.m.; 1 to 2:30 p.m.).
At the open houses residents can examine diagrams up close, and ask questions and offer feedback to the consultants.
In 2008, in honor of her dedication to the performing arts, she was presented with a special tribute by Bernadette Peters at Westport Country Playhouse.
Lansbury said, “I never played (at the Playhouse). I wasn’t a big enough star! If I don’t perform one small thing on this stage tonight, I’ll feel I’ve missed the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Then she enthralled the audience with “Not While I’m Around,” from Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd.”
A legendary shot from the Westport Country Playhouse green room. prior to the 2008 gala performance, From left: Bernadette Peters; Joanne Woodward, Playhouse co-artistic director; Julia Roberts, gala host; Angela Lansbury, honoree; Anne Keefe, Playhouse co-artistic director. (Photo/Kathleen O’Rourke)
Robbie Guimond lives in Saugatuck. But he battles traffic nearly every to head across town to The Porch @ Christie’s.
They serve “the best bacon egg and cheese in Westport,” he says.
But the vibe is just as great too.
Robbie writes: “The staff has impromptu ‘contests.’ This one in this photo was ‘Pride in Your Culture/Heritage Day.'”
(Photo/Robbie Guimond)
They also have “Best Hat,” “Favorite Sports Team,” etc. Customers vote throughout the day. The winner gets bragging rights — and more importantly, smiles.
“They’re a lovely group, and a wonderful part of Westport,” Robbie says. “I go there for the food. But mostly for the employees, and to support this business model of inclusivity and diversity.
Everyone wonders about “The Cost of Success: What Pressure is Doing to Our Kids.”
Positive Directions wants to talk about it — positively.
That’s the topic of a program they and the Westport Weston Family Y are sponsoring (October 19, 7 p.m., Westport Library; reception at 6:30).
Panelists include Valerie Babich, Westport Public Schools coordinator of psychological services; Frank Castorina, Positive Directions clinical supervisor; Alicia Briggs, pediatric hospitalist, and students from Staples High School’s Teen Awareness Group.
They’ll discuss what causes pressure; how to recognize signs that your child is struggling; strategies for reducing anxieties, and local resources.
Positive Directions will host a follow-up “Lunch and Learn” series at the Y, on related topics. More information will follow.
“Please avoid getting gas at the Cumberland Farms near Stop & Shop. I was charged for Super Premium, after clearly choosing the Unleaded button.
“The police reviewed the video, which confirms the Unleaded button being pushed. The manager insisted the video would be backwards when speaking with the officer so would be difficult to determine. The officer assured him it would not, as it would be the furthest button from the nozzle.
“He insisted it is a franchise, and he has no idea who he works for. We are pursuing a refund from Corporate, but it’s really the principle at this point.
“Please let Officer Kelly in Westport know if you have experienced similar there, or any other station.”
She added a PS: “When he printed the receipt inside, it read for Super Premium. Clearly something being manipulated, and was a $25 difference from the Unleaded choice that was made.”
NOTE: This took place at the Cumberland Farms by Stop & Shop — not the one near McDonald’s and Sakura.
And finally … on this date in 1810, citizens of Munich hold the first Oktoberfest. It celebrated the marriage of Crown Prince Louis of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Prost!
(Celebrate Oktoberfest with a donation to “06880.” Please click here!)
Julia Marino has qualified for the Olympic snowboarding final!
The Westport native — who now trains in Breckenridge, Colorado, and has faced a number of obstacles during her time on the team — fell twice on her first slopestyle run yesterday. But she blazed to a great 71.78 in her second attempt, finishing 6th.
She’ll be joined by teammates Jamie Anderson and Hailey Langland in the final. It’s set for Sunday in China — which is 8:30 p.m. tonight (Saturday), on NBC. Click here for the streaming link. Click here for more information on Julia, and the US team. (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)
It’s back to the drawing board — and 92 Greens Farms Road — for a new cell tower.
Tarpon Towers/AT&T had originally proposed a structure for private property there, abutting I-95 near Hillspoint Road.
Then came a new site: the office park at 55 Greens Farms Road next to Assumption Cemetery, a couple of hundred yards west and across the street.
Now, the owner of that property has withdrawn the site from consideration.
A public information will still be held on Tuesday (February 8, 7 p.m., Zoom), to consider the 92 Greens Farms Road location.
The Public Information Session scheduled for Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 7:00 PM will concentrate on the originally proposed location at 92 Greens Farms Road.
More local government news: Next Tuesday’s Board of Finance meeting to discuss using ARPA funds for low-density affordable housing on the Post Road near West Parish Lane will be held in the Town Hall auditorium — not Room 309 of that building.
This Post Road site next to Walgreens has been proposed for low-density affordable housing.
“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” But the University of Michigan is no slouch. It’s “where Staples Players meets the theatrical world.”
A student group is producing “Dogfight.” Players alums Jamie Mann (musical theater) and Brandon Malin (lighting) — both first-years there — are deeply involved.
“Dogfight” is a 2012 musical adaptation of the 1991 coming-of-age-during-Vietnam film. Staples 2003 grad Justin Paul wrote the music and lyrics with his writing partner Benj Pasek. Both also graduated from Michigan.
The book was by Peter Duchan (Staples ’01). He has known Paul since Coleytown Middle School (and has no connection to Michigan — Duchan went on to Northwestern University).
Paul and Pasek did a Zoom call with the cast. No word on whether they asked Mann and Malin how Players is doing.
Click here for a link to Michigan’s “Dogfight” page.
Brandon Malin (left) and Jamie Mann, in the “Dogfight” theater.
Speaking of Staples Players: Congrats to 2021 graduate Sophie Rossman. The New York University freshman appears in the short film “Clare,” which premieres at the prestigious SXSW Film Festival next month.
And speaking still of Staples Players — though in a very different way — Meredith Boak is Harvard Law School’s new assistant dean for clinical and pro bono programs.
The 2001 Staples graduate — yes, she was in Players the same year as Duchan — most recently served as senior vice president of revenue and development at Teach For America, overseeing and executing its sustainable funding strategy.
Boak has been a lecturer at Harvard Law since 2013. She earned an undergraduate degree in political science from Columbia University, and a master’s in secondary English education from Pace.
Meredith Boak
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Through all kinds of weather — snow, rain, mist, fog — the Earthplace foliage hangs on. Rowene Weems snapped today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo there.
Back in the day — the mid-1950s — Betty Lou Cummings was a Michigan State University cheerleader — one of the first female cheerleaders in the entire Big Ten.
After moving to Westport, she became a cheerleader for Westport. She volunteered with a host of organizations — the Westport Library, Senior Center, CLASP Homes — and led the fall Apple Festival for 2 decades. She was elected to the Representative Town Meeting.
In the 1990s, she served as Westport’s 2nd selectman. She ran as a Republican, with Joe Arcudi.
In 2011, the Republicans gained control of several town boards and commissions, after a 14-year hiatus. “We’re back!” Betty Lou told WestportNow.
Now 86, Betty Lou Cummings still cheers for causes that are important to her. Yesterday, Michigan State played Rutgers in football. She dressed in green, gamely grinning through the bad loss.
She also cheered for her presidential candidate. But the longtime Republican is not supporting President Trump.
She’s a Joe Biden fan — as the sign outside her Saugatuck Shores home proudly shows.
In fact, the former Republican 2nd selectman is now a registered Democrat.
When Staples Players fans around the world turn in to tonight’s broadcast of “The Wizard of Oz” (6 p.m., WWPT, 90.3 FM; for the livestream, click here ), they’ll enjoy an old-fashioned radio broadcast, complete with sound effects, music and local ads.
Actors who normally perform on stage have been rehearsing — via Zoom, and occasionally together — for weeks. But other members of the high school’s award-winning troupe have been hard at work too.
Players head of computer sound effects/sound designer Brandon Malin sends along these behind-the-scenes photos. Here’s the live sound effects equipment in the WWPT-FM radio studio:
And here is the control room, where all the magic happens:
(Photos/Brandon Malin)
Painting With a Twist — the fun, quirky, do-it-yourself-together spot in the Julian’s Post Road shopping center near South Maple — is closing. Their last day after 7 years is December 12.
In a note to their fans, they say “the plaza where we are located is being converted for another use.”
They add:
We have had such fun, rewarding experiences with all of you and we carry so many happy memories of helping you celebrate your personal milestones, your festive gatherings with friends and family, and your creative nights out. We hope we have given all of you an escape from your cares and some joyful, festive time that has inspired you and uplifted your spirits.
The artists and I will all miss seeing your smiling faces and spending time in our beautiful studio, surrounded by all our colorful art and all the great music that ignites the soul.
But we still have almost 2 more months! So we hope you’ll come and enjoy some time with us. Plan your girls night out, holiday party, company team building event, date night, child’s birthday party, or just join a public class to forget your concerns and have some fun!
If you’d rather, you can paint in the comfort of home with one of our Twist at Home kits.
And finally … Jerry Jeff Walker died Friday, of complications from throat cancer. He was 78.
Best known for writing “Mr. Bojangles” after spending a night in a New Orleans drunk tank — though the song was not, as many people think, about the legendary tap dancer/actor/singer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson — Walker was also an enormously influential figure in the Austin music scene. He helped create “outlaw country,” popularized as well by Willie Nelson and others.
Every Saturday, we’ll share readers’ artwork. Professional, amateur, old, young — send us your painting, collage, sketch, photo, sculpture, chalkwork, cartoon, whatever.
The only rule is it must be inspired by, reflective of, or otherwise related to the times we’re going through. We’re all experiencing tons of emotions, and art is a wonderful way to express (and share) them. Email your submission to dwoog@optonline.net.
Here is today’s gallery.
Keep the submissions coming. If yours is not posted yet, be patient. There will be more next Saturday. And, unfortunately, for some time to come.
Joanie Landau’s “Hope” was inspired by Robert Indiana’s “Love.”
Brandon Malin’s medium is photography. The Staples High School senior’s drone shot of downtown Westport — empty at night, in the midst of the pandemic — is striking.
Untitled, Beth DeVoll
Artwork by Merri Mueller’s young Fillow Street neighbors Addie and Nora (ages 4 and 6)
“Compassion” (Miggs Burroughs)
Ellen Greenberg made “The Birds and the Bees” for a friend’s first baby shower (postponed now until after the birth). She dropped it in a sealed bag at her friend’s house. The expectant mom is a beekeeper. “I want her to remember their joy, and the love of all their friends during these challenging times,” Ellen says.
Amy Schneider’s collage expresses how she feels these days.
“Peaceful Valley” (Laura Loffredo, age 8)
“The Low Hum of Anxiety” (Jennifer Sabella)
“Comforting” (Lawrence Weisman)
Julie Van Norden painted this last year. “Prophetic about social distancing,” she says.
Emma Nordberg, age 15, took this photo during the first week of quarantine. “Despite the virus, it’s a beautiful spring,” she says.
As the thermometer heads toward 95 — with plenty of that nice Westport humidity — it’s a good day to take note of some new signs around town.
Sure, we think there are too many. But a few new ones are well worth reading.
And heeding.
Last spring, Brandon Malin — a Coleytown Middle School 8th grader — spearheaded a drive to remind drivers not to leave children or pets in cars that quickly turn sweltering, even on mild days. He got the idea from similar signs in Fairfield parking lots.
With the help of the Staples High School art department — and the support of Westport Animal Shelter Advocates, First Selectman Jim Marpe and other town officials — he saw the project through to completion. (Brandon also raised money to produce the signs.)
They’re up now at Compo Beach and Longshore. Hopefully, downtown lots will be next.
One of Brandon Malin’s signs (under an already-decorated one) at Compo Beach …
The signs say: “If you love them, don’t leave them. Heat Kills!” Below that is the Police Department phone number to report a child or animal in a car, and the reminder: “One call can save a life.”
Heat like today’s makes all of us a bit fuzzy-headed.
Thanks to Brandon, we can focus a bit more clearly on the people and pets we love.
He’s still a middle school student. (He moves up to Staples from Coleytown later this month.) But that hasn’t stopped Brandon from producing a video that shows off our town in fresh, intriguing and loving ways.
For more than a year, he compiled footage of Westport from the air. It took 3 months to edit down to the finished product.
Brandon plans to continue filming Westport — and locations beyond — with his quadcopter.
Last summer, a Ridgefield toddler died when he was left inside a parked car.
Brandon Malin — a Coleytown Middle School 8th grader — thought of that, when he saw “Heat Kills” signs in Fairfield parking lots. He knows that every year, children and pets are left in cars that quickly become sweltering — even on mild days.
But Brandon did more than think.
He acted.
With the support of Westport Animal Shelter Advocates, First Selectman Jim Marpe and other town officials, he’s creating signs. They’ll remind drivers not to leave kids — or pets — in closed vehicles, especially in warm weather.
The signs will be installed in town-owned parking lots, where police feel the risk is greatest. Possibilities include Parker Harding, the Baldwin lot, the beaches, Longshore and library.
After the initial rollout, Brandon will contact owners of private parking lots too.
Right now he’s working with the Staples High School art department on the design.
He’s also trying to raise the $2,500 needed to produce the signs. All donations are tax deductible, and the target deadline is April 8. Click here to help!
But whether you donate or not, remember one thing: Heat Kills!
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: danwoog@gmail.com. Thanks!)
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